Despite the relatively weak state of the U.S. economy, the number of cosmetic procedures continue to increase. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there was a 5% increase in the number of aesthetic procedures from 2011 to 2012. With over 14 million procedures performed, this is the third year in a row that an increase in these procedures occurred. But the procedure increase is not related to actual surgery but in minimally invasive procedures such as Botox, skin treatments and laser hair removal. Actual invasive surgery number have remained stable but with no real increase.There are a number of reasons why minimally invasives have increased from less discretionary income for surgery, a growing number of middle-aged group of patients who are beginning to show their age to an expanding number of non-surgical treatment options. Leading the way in minimally invasive therapies is Botox injections by a wide margin with over 6 million treatments in 2012. Botox treatments continue to increase because they not only work, are quick and easy to do but an increasing number of people of all ages are at least trying this aesthetic therapy that has worked its way into the fabric of modern American society.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana